Whilst on the Ward &
Preparing to Go Home
If you are having surgery, you will be
advised on any post-operation instructions
related to your rehabilitation by your
Surgeon/Physiotherapist the day after any
surgery. You will also be advised on breathing
and circulation exercises to carry out until you
are mobilising.
After your operation you will need to allow
some time to get back to full function.
The Therapy Service may carry out
assessments and offer advice to help
maximise independence.
Availability
Generally we are available from
Monday Friday 08.30 am–4.30 pm
Nuffield
Orthopaedic
Centre
n
NHS Trust
What if I have other concerns?
If you require further information then please ask to
speak with our (or your) CPs, Physiotherapist or
Occupational Therapist.
• Transfers from bed/chair/car/wheelchair
• Walk safely with walking aids if necessary.
• Go up and down the step/stairs safely if
appropriate.
• Develop a home exercise programme to
maximise your independence.
• Use the toilet safely with or without
equipment as required.
• Seating / positioning.
• Personal care (eg bathing, toileting and
dressing).
• Discussing your domestic activities at
home such as cooking.
• Discuss future plans (eg return to driving,
work or leisure activities).
If it is felt further rehabilitation is required
prior to your discharge home the Team will
discuss alternative options with you and
make appropriate plans.
Contact Details
Senior Therapist
Bone Infection Unit Office
Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre
Windmill Road
Headington
Oxford 0X3 7LD
Telephone:
01865 737551 (Occupational Therapist)
01865 227245 (Physiotherapist)
www.noc.nhs.uk
Bone Infection Unit, Education & Research Fund:
Informing Patients
BIU Leaflet 4
© 2006 Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre
Supported by an unconditional educational grant from Astra-Zeneca
Bone Infection Unit
Therapy Services
Our expert therapists can assist
your discharge home from hospital
Introduction
In this leaflet we describe the therapy services
you may encounter during your hospital stay.
This may include Occupational Therapists (green
trousers) and Physiotherapists (navy trousers).
We are able to help maximise your mobility and
independence after your surgery.
Before you are admitted
Many people experience difficulties in carrying
out daily tasks in their own home. Often
getting on and off chairs or in and out of a
bath can be difficult due to poor mobility or
joint problems.
During this time you may have difficulties with
using the stairs, bathroom, toilet or chair.
Preparing meals can be challenging because
of having to use walking aids. Shopping, may
be difficult initially, you may wish to consider
stocking your freezer or asking family and
friends for assistance following your
discharge.
You can help yourself and us by thinking of
solutions before your admission. This could
include moving your bed downstairs, ensuring
friends or relatives are around to help or
removing obstacles from around the house
including things you may trip over (loose
carpets, rugs, or wires) or that may get in the
way of walking aids (if you require them).
Difficulties at home could be a result of a
variety of different causes. People who are
awaiting an operation often benefit from
adaptive aids and equipment before being
admitted to ensure independence is
maintained.
If you experience any difficulty with daily tasks
you may benefit from an assessment with an
Occupational Therapist. If you are having
difficulty walking or climbing stairs you may
benefit from an assessment with a
Physiotherapist.
Things to Bring with You
• Supportive pair of shoes/slippers.
• Practical loose clothing.
• Splints or braces currently used.
• Hearing aids.
• Special walking aids/wheelchairs used
(clearly labelled with your name)
• Contact details of current occupational
therapist/physiotherapist.
• Completed Home Measurement sheet
Your therapist and GP can help you in
thinking about solutions. Your GP should be
able to arrange this locally.
If you have been given a home measurement
sheet prior to your admission, please ensure it
is filled in for you to bring with you on
admission. This involves measuring the heights
of your furniture at home.